MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT!!!

mamamc03 · March 2012

OK, so let me preface this by saying ANYone who knows me, knows that I have always had THICK...I mean enough for 2 people THICK hair. Lovely thick light red hair.

I have noticed, that I have been losing more hair than normal. Especially in the shower when I run my hands through it. I have been eating my cals and getting MOST of my nutrients, feel free to look @ my diary.

So I go to get my hair cut today and my stylist said that I was losing a LOT of hair. I then told her that I have noticed it lately & that I used to have very thick hair. She was SHOCKED...WOW. That was a knock down for me, bc I have always LOVED my hair. It was the only thing I was proud of on my body. But she said to get my thyroid checked, bc that can cause it as well.

I'm pretty bummed about it. I used to need the ultra heavy duty pony tail holders and now the little ones do just fine. I want my thick supple hair back!!

My MFP bestie told me to up my omega-3s & protein with tuna & stuff. As well as Biotin. I am going for my yearly next month.

Any other ideas??

hilarysgiants · March 2012

Are you eating enough? How is your stress level? Those are side effects for too low calories and high stress. Hope it stops falling out for you!

AReasor · March 2012

Please see your Doctor. Hair loss and brittle nails can be a sign of illness.

lawkat · March 2012

Delete

lizard053 · March 2012

If you can, have your doctor check your thyroid levels. Losing hair is one of the early signs of low thyroid function. Also, it's a sign of malnutrition, so make sure you eat enough, especially protein, since that's what hair is mostly made of.

psuLemon · March 2012

A higher fat diet helps as well. Look for stuff like extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and avocado

mamamc03 · March 2012

lawkat wrote...

I personally recommend you see a doctor about this before it gets any worse. It is usually best to consult a doctor rather than ask a medical question here. Either see a GP or a dermatologist. You should get blood work done to see why that is happening.

Well, sugar, I know that. But I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this. But thanks for the cynicism.

& I don't have insurance, so this is MUCH cheaper.

mamamc03 · March 2012

Please see your Doctor. Hair loss and brittle nails can be a sign of illness.

Now that you mention it...I used to have CRAZY strong nails too...and they are not as resilient anymore...Geez, I sound like a hypochondriac.

mamamc03 · March 2012

A higher fat diet helps as well. Look for stuff like extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and avocado

Yeah, that's what my mom said...because my diet used to consist of all kinds of fat...now that I am eating better, I avoid i when I can.

Melissa_Suzanne · March 2012

Your body may lack folic acid or sulphur.

Folic acid helps with fromation of red blood cell, aids in metabolism and contributes to normal growth, helpful in hair growth.
Deficiency symptoms: skin disorder, mental depression, may lead to hair loss
Food sources: organ meats, brewers yeast, wheat germ, nuts, green leafy veggies.

Sulfer is necessary to rebuild protein, particulary keratin which is found in hair and skin.
Deficiency symptoms: brittle nails, skin eruptions, hair deficiencies.
Food sources: Meat, fish eggs, cheese, soybeans, lentils, kidney beans, cabbage, fish, poultry, onions, garlic, swiss chard, watercress.

This is from a book called Basic herbs and simple remedies. I have found it very usefully with helping me find out the problems I have

Hope you figure it out.

mamamc03 · March 2012

If you can, have your doctor check your thyroid levels. Losing hair is one of the early signs of low thyroid function. Also, it's a sign of malnutrition, so make sure you eat enough, especially protein, since that's what hair is mostly made of.

I think I am eating enough...look @ my diary. I eat between 1400-1800/day.

SunnyAndrsn · March 2012

I had this problem on Weight Watchers when I wasn't eating enough fat. Check your fat intake. If you're way under every day, try some juggling around and increase your fat. It did stop when I started eating more fat.

butterfly10398 · March 2012

I had the same problem. A very wise person told me to try increasing my fats. I already take biotin daily... I increased my fat and protein from 15 to 30 and lowered my carbs to 40 and that has been working well for me so far. also, check the type of shampoo and conditioner you use, as well as any hair products for styling... there are some that are much worse for your hair than others.

mollyjackson82 · March 2012

you don't monitor you protein on your diary...how much are you eating??? you really need to track protein levels.

mamamc03 · March 2012

Are you eating enough? How is your stress level? Those are side effects for too low calories and high stress. Hope it stops falling out for you!

Oh...my stress...you dont even know!! Since I have started on my WLJ, there have been 3 deaths, BIL went literally crazy, other BIL lost his job, hubby lost his job, we moved & are living in an RV, still paying for old apartment & RV lot rent. UGH!!

Heaven71 · March 2012

Vitamin B supplements should help this issue. You are probably missing a lot of B12 in your diet and that will cause hair loss. Vegans and Vegetarians have this problem.

I lowered my red meat intake significantly and have to take supplements as my hair is thin and breaks easy to begin with.

booboorocksout · March 2012

I saw something on dateline that had ladies who were taking certain vitamins and supplements losing hair. If you're taking anything check the web and ask your doctor. They don't have to do much to get those things on the shelves. The FDAhas no real power to regulate anything anymore. Hope your hair comes back soon!

celtickarasu · March 2012

I was losing my hair and I was told to take 5000 mcg of biotin a day. Now my hair has grown back in and is thick and shiny again. And my nails are growing faster and maybe a bit stronger.